Swarm Wars! presented by GM Sparrowhawk

Game Master Bristor

“It has been 6 months since the Swarm first touched down on Suskillon in a bloody conflict named the Battle at Stone Sea. After the Swarm punched through the planet’s aerial and orbital defenses, its components landed near the Stone Sea, a large freshwater lake surrounding a dormant volcano. The Fifth Battalion of the Suskillon Defense Force (SDF) was closest to the site of contact and held the Swarm back long enough for the SDF to mobilize other battalions to the area. Stories of the battle have already reached near-mythical heights, as most members of the Fifth Battalion were killed in glorious, terrible combat.

Since then, the SDF has fought a losing battle against the Swarm. Though Suskillon is a friendly trading partner with the Pact Worlds, the planet’s government has yet to officially request aid, with many afraid that the Pact Worlds will claim their planet as a protectorate in “payment” for such help. However, that hasn’t stopped volunteers and mercenaries from other systems (including the Pact Worlds and the Veskarium) from journeying to Suskillon to join in the fight against the invasion. The Swarm is relentless, though, and it has already taken nearly half of the planet.

We begin in the middle of one of the planet’s Dead Winters, a time of extended extreme cold weather in the planet’s southern hemisphere. Over the past few weeks, Suskillon has enjoyed something of a respite, as the Swarm appears to have ceased its near-daily attacks. Some believe the Swarm’s numbers are dwindling, and that the tide of the war will soon turn.

In an effort to replenish the ranks of the Fifth Battalion, the SDF has recruited mercenaries and off-worlders, made deals with prisoners and pirates, and accepted nearly every volunteer who can hold a gun. These new soldiers—including you—are being trained and outfitted at Camp Cavalier, a small encampment just outside of Brinnoa.”

Sevash hails from a tribe of Strix separatists that believe the isolationism of Qidel is outdated and harmful for progress. As part of their overtures of peace toward the pact worlds that have committed several troops to the cause of fighting the swarm. One of these troops has been dispatched to fight on Suskillon. Sevash is a dedicated soldier specializing in technical adaptation and tactics in the field, though she has yet to engage in any actual combat. Fresh out of training she is eager to prove herself on the front lines.

Though used to volunteering for a number of medical aid roles, this is Tegrodera's first experience with direct combat as the clamor coming from his jangling kit of gear and weapon(s) proves just as much. A native of Suskillon, the Shirren hopes to better serve his community by keeping the members of the SDF in as good a shape as possible with the recent Battle at Stone Sea serving as a grim motivator.

Aysén hails from the Drow homeworld of Apostae. Originally an enforcer for his family, he has enlisted as a mercenary in the battle on Suskillon
in order to seek his fortune and acquire assets for the family Real Estate business. Surely there will be plenty of vacant properties after battling the swarm. Aysén specializes in frontline melee combat, self-preservation, and trying to make himself look good in front of the brass.

The Telix Collective has come to Suskillon to help integrate the forces of the SDF into a useful whole. None of their constituent parts have a clear memory of their homeworld, but they do hold an intense antipathy toward the Swarm, which they view as a perversion of appropriate collectivism.

RUMORS ABOUT THE SWARM INVASION

After completing basic training, you have received orders to report to Major Jaldamarrak a 0800 hours to receive your duty roster . . .

What you know about Major Jaldamarrak:

Sevash dosn't know anything about Major Jaldamarrk, but she wants to impress.
She will prepare to report for duty by greasing her gun, shinning her boots and starching her uniform.

From preparatory research done before enlisting, along with rumors and similar word-of-mouth garnered from fellow SDF members, Tegrodera is both thrilled and anxious to be receiving orders from such an impressive figure as Major Jaldamarrak.

Wondering what the expectations of a devoted military professional might be, Tegrodera would assure that his kit is properly packed and take pains to arrive ~15min early to the reporting location.

Aysén, as a professional soldier, has heard of Jaldamarrak's exploits and the medal he received. Some excellent ammunition for name dropping later.

He would make sure his uniform is spotless and his gloves fully charged before reporting early to size up his fellow soldiers and make a good impression on the major.

Location: Ready Room at Camp Cavalier, 0800 hours.

In addition to the four of you, there are two other people in the room as you wait. One is bright-eyed human of about 20 with lance corporal insignia, and a woman of indeterminate age sporting a large scorpion tattoo on her neck. Before you are able to make small talk, you snap to attention as Major Jaldamarrak enters the room. The vesk’s scales are dark green, and the spikes on his jaw point forward to form a sort of beard. He sports a large cybernetic eye. He inspects you and your kit for a moment and then begins to lecture you:

“I am your new commanding officer, Jaldamarrak, and I was killing Swarm before you were clutching your mother’s tails. I know more about this enemy than every soft-skin general in this system, and I know for a fact we are losing this war. You’ve probably heard that over the last seven days, the Swarm has retreated from three smaller cities to the east of Brinnoa, and the media and the SDF alike are calling this a turning point for the war, but I know better. Those
vexers are up to something, and I’m not letting the Fifth Battalion get caught with their spacesuits around their ankles.

You’re now part of what I’m calling Midnight Squad. Corporal Jax here is in charge. Let’s just say you are all a bit . . . unconventional, so we put you together. I don’t believe in wasting resources. For your first assignment, you’ll patrol the Delta Escarpment a few miles west of Camp Cavalier from sundown to sun-up and report back with any unusual activity. Any questions?”

“Get some rest and you may want to visit the quartermaster if you aren’t prepared for night duty and a 13 hour shift.” He suggests a light source, clothing to withstand the cold weather (though he points out the environmental protections of their armor should last the night), and perhaps something to help keep you awake.

Unfortunately, due to the strained resources of the SDF during the war, you will need to pay for any of these items.

"We will take a nap." Telsix buzzes.

"Before we go, have you heard anything about who or what is leading them."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Dosn't notice anything

"Sir, is there anything you want us to especially watch out for?"

When they are dismissed Sevash salutes and will leave to go get some rest before the watch. She makes sure her armor is fully charged so she has protection from the cold.

sense motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 2 = 15

Aysen has a keen interest in winning this war and is not pleased to hear such a veteran doubting his victory.

"Sir yes sir!" He leaves to rest. He has no intention of letting his brain be eaten.

Oops I botched a spoiler there, but everyone can click those spoilers as it would have been said out loud for all to hear. Slammed today but will try to move forward.

No worries. Good luck!

Need a Survival check to make sure you can make your way to the right patrol zone.

The sun has fully set when the you reach the Delta Escarpment, but the stars above provide dim light for the remainder of the night. Once you begin the night watch in the hilly region surrounding the metropolis of Brinnoa, you have ample time to talk to one another. You can relate your backstories, share rumors you’ve heard, or speculate about the future of the war.

Survival: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"Do you know anything of the enemy? We have heard that the Swarm is controller here by a terrifying creature that can kill with its mind."

Survival: 1d20+3 => (14) + 3 = 17

After attempting to withstand the night's chill as best he can, Tegrodera would eventually engage the climate protections in his Second Skin armor to last the watch.

"They can? I'd heard rumors that some of their units have been acting strangely, with folks thinking something either on or about Suskillon is disrupting their hive-mind connections. That'd certainly be a silver lining for us, eh?"

Looking around, while trying to gauge the response of his new squad mates he recalls something he'd meant to ask them all earlier.

"By the way, would you all be disposed to letting me collect a small genetic sample from each of you? I only need the equivalent of a single hair or drop of saliva, but it'll better enable me to administer medical services if, or I guess when, it may be needed"

Telsix is able to convince Corporal Jax that he is holding the map upside down, and hence you don’t lose any time getting to your designated patrol zone. Early on in the evening, Tegrodera notices the tracks of a brushstalker – a native predator of Suskillon – but they appear to be hours old.

In response to Tegrodera’s request, Corporal Jax readily complies. “By golly, I appreciate you looking after us doc.” Your other squad mate, Ameiko, replies a little differently. “Take your genetic sample and shove it in your thorax.”

The first few hours pass quietly with little to no action. It quickly becomes clear that Corporal Jax is totally inexperienced and yet gung ho, and his anxiety is translating into nervous chatter followed by stretches of silence. Ameiko is rather laconic, and seems annoyed by the corporal.

It is freezing, so I am assuming everyone has turned on their environmental protections, but if that’s not the case and you want to start making Fort saves, let me know.

Sevash will spend her time listening intently while she continuously takes apart and reassembles her pulse rifle

"Kill us with its mind, huh. We didn't cover that one in basic training" She says laughing nervously

She will hand Tegrodera a freshly molted feather
"Here ya go"
She will whisper to him "Can you, uh, help with mind stuff too"

Receiving the feather from Sevash it's quickly broken down in a portable microlab as Tegrodera studies and records it's structure.

"Hmm, I don't know if I can help with a mental assault directly but I could help you could move out of range of it's psychic powers before it has a chance to manifest them! Most telepathic beings have a limit to how far their abilities can reach, I myself am only able to communicate with those up to five or six arm-lengths away, so as long as you can move at least 5.5 outstretched Shirrens away from this enemy before it has a chance to think you should be fine!

Sharing the Shirren equivalent of a smile, he then turns to Corporal Jax.

"It is my pleasure sir, I am ultimately here to see to the Midnight Squad's medical safety! My true specialty lies in immunological research and treatment though, so if anyone feels a cold coming on just let me know and I'll be happy to assist."

The pleasantness concluded, he would adjust slightly away from Ameiko as to not further agitate them with his proximity.

"You have may sincere apologies, Ameiko. I did not mean to offend with my request though um, may I ask what it was that you found disagreeable?"

Telsix hand Tegrodera a small, dead insect. "Will this suffice?"

"You have may sincere apologies, Ameiko. I did not mean to offend with my request though um, may I ask what it was that you found disagreeable?"

"Listen, bug boy, if you think I'm giving you any of my DNA, you are out of your gourd. How do I know you aren't working for THEM? That's what THEY do, manipulate the DNA of those they conquer. I only took the deal to join the army so I'd die with a gun in my hand and not in a jail cell when the Swarm takes over."

Tegrodera would recognize the scorpion tattoo on her neck as a signifier of a notorious criminal organization, The Scorpions.

"Come now, fellow soldier, have some respect for the major. If he trusts this creature with a gun, then you can trust it with some...hair? Saliva? If we want to win, cooperation is key. Don't you want enough land for a below ground pool and garage?"

Aysén would spit in Tegrodera's general direction on the ground and flash him a smile

"I'm here to help."

I don't want to cut off any RP here, so feel free to add more if you'd like and I'll slow down on this next part . . .

Several hours later, as the end of the shift nears and a faint trace of the rising sun’s light can be seen on the horizon, a loud atonal alarm is followed with an all-points emergency broadcast over your comm units. A hurried female voice says, “Attention all Suskillon ground forces, this is Spacedock Prime-1. We are under heavy attack! A Swarm armada has entered in low orbit and has begun to—” the transmission ends as abruptly as it began in a burst of ear-splitting static. Up in the sky high above Brinnoa, hundreds of small lights flash—the telltale sign of starship combat.

Corporal Jax, in a wavering voice, asks “What do we do now? Are we all gonna die?!”

Aysén would stare up at the sky at the flashing lights for a few moments, a broad grin forming.

"Don't worry, I have no intention of dying. Perhaps we should regroup with the rest of the defense force, corporal?" You sniveling wretch Jax. I have never seen someone more unworthy of command than you.

Sevash will quickyl gather her equipment and look aghast at their commanding officer.
In response to Aysen
"or head to the hangar, they may need reinforcements up there"

After the microlab has finished analyzing all the donated samples, Tegrodera would follow after his squad mates in rising with gear assembled.

"There are bound to be casualties and folks injured, should we perhaps see if any need tending to along the way? Perhaps we go to wherever the need is greatest?"

Would it be possible to do a Culture check or similar to see if Tegrodera knows anything more about The Scorpions gang that Ameiko is a part of?

Would it be possible to do a Culture check or similar to see if Tegrodera knows anything more about The Scorpions gang that Ameiko is a part of?

certainly!

Jax pulls himself together at the sharp rebuke from Aysen (and an eye roll from Ameiko that was so pronounced you could hear it). He tries to call up anyone on the comms, but the system is being jammed. “Right, we’ll head back to Camp Cavalier and report in.”

You start the hike back, the battle occurring in earnest both in the sky and in Brinnoa proper. You’ve gone about a mile when Aysen detects movement cresting a ridge.

Round 1 of Combat: Aysen gets a surprise round, then everyone is up

battle map

In the surprise round Aysén will move 30 feet to the East while donning his polarity gauntlets and entering photon mode (Photon Attunement 1/3).

Time to earn some medals! Look lively, we got action!

I thought italics were inner monologue. The comments on Jax being a coward were not spoken aloud. I'll be more clear in future posts.

You're right - too much time between when I read it initially and when I wrote that. Consider him rebuked by Ameiko's eye roll.

Now that surprise round is over, everyone is up!

Sevash will study the green bug and take a shot at it

Studied Experimental Azimuth Laser Rifle: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 for Fire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7

I'm assuming we would have weapons out as we headed back, if not she just draws and takes a shot, so subtract 1 damage

Tegrodera draws his Needler Pistol and moves 25 feet Eastward, following after and staying within range of Aysen.

"Aysen! If they come towards you I can enhance your skin's thickness to protect from their attacks if needed. I'll need to hit you with a dart but don't worry, it won't hurt a bit!"

Since Tegrodera was able to "scan" each of his squad mates (aside from Ameiko) I can use my Basic Booster ability on any of them without having to roll to hit and without inflicting any damage. (Biohacker Details)

And then, a Culture check to know about The Scorpions!

Culture: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Telsix will move closer and fire their laser pistol at green.

laser pistol: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5 for fire: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Aysén will sprint forward and jab at the red bug (Photon attunement 2/3)

Polarity Gauntlet: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18 To hit for Electric: 1d3 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Argh, I posted this yesterday afternoon, but boards ate it apparenlty. Can't stress enough how useful it can be to have a doc you compose in and save before posting.

Yes, you could definitely have your weapons out and ready. Tegrodera could take an action retroactively if that changes your thinking.

Sevash will cold efficiency, hits her target squarely, but Telsix fires wide. Aysen also smashes his electric fist into his target with a satisfying crunch of carapace.

Jax looks stunned and fumbles to take the safety off his rifle. Ameiko also misses her target, the dredger fighting Aysen, but almost hits the drow. It’s almost as if she doesn’t care who she hits!

Another dredger appears, burrowing out of the cold red soil, and attaches to Ameiko.
attach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

The red dredger tries the same to Aysen, but he’s too wiley.
attach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

The green one scuttles forward and attacks Aysen with a claw swipe, connecting solidly.
attach: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Round 2 of Combat: Midnight Squad is UP!
Party-wide buffs: N/A
Telsix
Tegrodera
Aysen -9SP
Sevash
Jax
Ameiko
Dredger (red) -4 hp
Dredger (green) -7hp
Dredger (yellow)

Aysén is furious at the audacity of these swarm creatures and explodes with steller energy (photon attunement 3/3)

Supernova Steller revelation, creates a 10 foot radius burst of fire, reflex DC 13 for half damage

Supernova Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 4) = 8 Fire

Telsix moves closer to the battle and unleashes a burst of ectoplasm at the dredgers attacking Aysen. (Assuming that they are still alive.)

Attack (green) v KAC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18 for bludgeoning: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 3) = 8
Attack (red) v KAC: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 for bludgeoning: 2d6 ⇒ (5, 2) = 7

Sevash will shout over to Ameiko
"Steady your fire!"

Then she will full attack green
Studied Experimental Azimuth Laser Rifle: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19 for Fire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Studied Experimental Azimuth Laser Rifle: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4 for Fire: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Hunkering down so as not to be caught in the weapon's fire, Tegrodera reposition's himself to have both Ameiko and Aysen within range of his needler pistol.

"Ameiko! I promise this is only to help you and that it won't hurt!"

Fires a dart with a Basic Booster (+1 KAC & EAC for 3 rounds if Atk hits) at Ameiko

Tactical Needler Pistol: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22

reflex red: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
reflex green: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Aysen’s supernova explodes but being low to the ground seems to afford the bugs some protection. Telsix Collective cleans up the burned bugs, taking them both out. Sevash turns her rifle on the bug attached to Ameiko and gets one hit.

Corporal Jax keeps firing at the now dead bugs around Aysen, screaming uncontrollably, while Ameiko tries to get the bug off of her, but fails.

Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Str: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Round 2 of Combat: Tegrodera is UP!
Party-wide buffs: N/A
Telsix
Tegrodera
Aysen -9SP
Sevash
Jax
Ameiko
Dredger (red)
Dredger (green)
Dredger (yellow) -7hp [attached to Ameiko]

Apologies but I'm feeling a little lost in terms of how combat goes. My understanding so far has been that the GM's post signals the conclusion of the past round and beginning of the new one, along with all the actions NPC's and enemies have taken. Following that, it seems that all of the players post their actions which are then interpreted in order of initiative (from top-down in the GM's post) rather than the order of when the post was submitted.

If that's the case then at the end of Round One of combat all the Dredgers attacked and afterwards Midnight Squad took their collective turns for Round Two, but the order of how they played-out IS NOT tied to the order that the posts were submitted but rather the initiative rolled (Telsix -> Tegrodera -> Aysen -> Sevash). NPC's and enemies then concluded Round Two and now Tegrodera is going "first" in Round Three?

Sorry, we cross posted. I hadn't seen your most recent post until now. So you are not up. I basically do it in the order of posting, (Aysen -> Telsix -> Sevash) and will try to make reasonable changes (like moving attacks to a target still up, like with Robyn). My posts aren't necessarily the end of the round, as above - I was leaving room for you to still go in Round 2 before i moved down to enemies response. I post when I have time, so sometimes I will update so you know how things have faired and have a better sense of what to do with a turn. Like if I could have posted before Robyn, she would have known that red and green were dead. So right now we are still in Round 2 with the one remaining dredger to go, then it'll be the start of Round 3 and Midnight Squad is up

Tegrodera boosts Ameiko’s defenses just before the remaining dredger takes a full attack on her, getting through her improved defenses only once.

Attack 1: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 10
dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 - 4 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 4 + 2 = 23
dmg: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Round 3 of Combat: Midnight Squad is UP!
Party-wide buffs: N/A
Telsix
Tegrodera
Aysen -9SP
Sevash
Jax
Ameiko -6SP; -3 HP; dredger attached
Dredger (red)
Dredger (green)
Dredger (yellow) -7hp

"Corporal! Maybe you should follow the rest of the soldier's examples and SHOOT THE BUGS WHICH ARE STILL FIGHTING!"

Aysén double moves next to the remaining live bug, his disgust for Jax's weakness turning to anger. (Photon attunement 1/3)

Telsix moves and turns their insectile gaze on the dredger, hoping to discomfort it.
(DC 14 Will save or take -1 to AC; mind-affecting, sense-dependent curse effect)

Will save: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 2 = 5

Telsix Collective is able to unsettle this drone.

Round 3 of Combat: Tegrodera and Sevash are up!
Party-wide buffs: N/A
Telsix
Tegrodera
Aysen -9SP
Sevash
Jax
Ameiko -6SP; -3 HP; dredger attached; +1 AC from booster 2 rounds
Dredger (red)
Dredger (green)
Dredger (yellow) -7hp -1 AC, attached to Ameiko